How and when to use salbutamol inhalers - Brand names: Ventolin, Airomir, Asmalal, Easyhaler, Pulvinal, Salamol, Easi-Breathe, Salbulin

Only use your salbutamol inhaler when you need it. This may be when:

• you notice symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest
• you know that you're going to do an activity that can make you breathless, for example climbing stairs, sport or coming into contact with something you're allergic to

You should feel a difference to your breathing within a few minutes.

Dosage for salbutamol inhalers

The normal way to use your salbutamol inhaler (both adults and children) is 1 or 2 puffs when you need it. You can use it up to a maximum of 4 times in 24 hours, regardless of whether you have 1 puff or 2 puffs at a time.

Salbutamol is sometimes used to prevent breathing symptoms before they start. This could be before a trigger such as exercise or exposure to pets. To prevent symptoms, the normal dose is still 1 or 2 puffs at a time.

If you need to use your inhaler more than 4 times in 24 hours:

• it may mean that your condition is getting worse and that you need different treatment
• you're more likely to get side effects such as an increased heart rate, feeling shaky or nervous, and headaches

Dosage during an asthma attack

In a sudden asthma attack you can use your inhaler more and take up to 10 puffs. Wait 30 to 60 seconds between each puff and always shake the inhaler each time.

For treating severe asthma attacks, salbutamol can be given through a nebuliser. A nebuliser is a machine that delivers the medicine as a mist inhaled through a face mask. This will probably be given to you by your doctor.

How to use your inhaler

Your salbutamol inhaler works quickly to make your breathing easier.

Inhalers can be difficult to use and mistakes in the technique can mean very little of the medicine gets into your lungs where you need it.

There are different types of salbutamol inhaler, including pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs).

Before using your inhaler, read the leaflet that came with it. This leaflet gives you information and diagrams to show you how to use the inhaler, how to keep it clean, and how long to use it before getting a replacement.

It's very important that you use your inhaler properly. This is so you get the right amount of salbutamol into your lungs and the most benefit from it.

Using a spacer with your inhaler

If you or your child are using a pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI), your doctor may give you a spacer to make it easier to use.

A spacer is a large metal or plastic container with a mouthpiece and a hole for the inhaler. When used with the inhaler it makes it easier to get the right amount of salbutamol into the lungs.

Spacers are especially useful for giving salbutamol to young children.

Your doctor, pharmacist or nurse can show you how to use a spacer with the inhaler.

How long to use it for

Most people will use salbutamol for many years.

Once your breathing is better, it may be possible for you or your child to use salbutamol less often. But it's important to always have your salbutamol inhaler with you, even if you only need it occasionally, so you can use it as soon as you have breathing problems.

Do not stop using salbutamol unless your doctor tells you to. If you stop, your breathing problems could get worse.

If you use too much

If you use your inhaler too much, you may notice that your heart beats more quickly than normal and that you feel shaky.